Pickup tailgates are getting a lot of love these days. And why not? They serve an important function and have pretty much been exactly the same, forever. Adding greater functionality with more utility to these underrated rear doors only makes sense.
Ten years ago, Ford introduced the simple yet awesome integrated tailgate step. Last year, GMC took things to another level with the 6-way, Transformers-esque MultiPro tailgate on their new Sierra.
Today, Ram joins the tailgate party with the new Multifunction Tailgate for their new 2019 Ram 1500 — a feature that adds even greater utility to the truck industry’s cargo management and storage leader. Here’s a closer look at what makes it stand out.
- Cargo Access: Offering more cargo-access flexibility is what really sets Ram’s version apart. The 60-40 split, swing-away door is a first in the truck segment.
- Swing those doors open: The major benefit of independent-opening doors is loading duties curbside; plus, you’re able to access the bed closer to the bumper which makes stepping into the bed that much easier. Aside from swinging, it’s also a fully dampened drop-down door with remote release options.
- Trailer-friendly: With other pickups, you need to unhitch the trailer in order to access the tailgate. The Ram 1500’s door doesn’t require that, so go ahead and pull 907 kg or 2,000 lb of stuff without removing the hitch.
- 4 “Configurations”
Ram promotes this feature as “4 configurations,” but in reality, it’s just the ability to open two doors in four ways: open flat, open the left door only, open the right door only, and open both doors. We think they just threw this one in, but with the 88-degree door swings, the retractable centre-mounted step option further enhances access. Plus, the ability to swing open and drop down is pretty cool, and handy, like when you’re just chilling out, taping your hockey sticks like these guys below:
Our takeaway? A 2-door tailgate seems so simple, and it is. But we’re glad Ram did this. And, the ability to access the rear door without requiring that the trailer and hitch be removed before opening is a game-changer as well. Let the tailgate wars begin!
